Criminal Defense

No matter what type of criminal charges you face, Norton Law Office believes in talking to you honestly about the potential consequences, the process you can expect and the courts in which you will be involved. We offer in-depth criminal law knowledge combined with tireless investigation to build strong and effective defenses for people throughout west Tennessee.
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The incarceration rate in the United States is much higher than that of many other industrialized countries. Prison sentences are getting longer and more frequent. If you are being investigated or have been arrested, let us know.

• DUI
Sometimes mistakes happen. Sometimes people are wrongly accused of things they did not do. When you have been accused of drinking and driving, Norton Law Office understands the challenges you may be facing. We know that a drunk driving arrest — or even allegations of involvement in a hit and run — do not mean that you are a bad person.
When we take your DUI defense case, we will take time to talk with you about the potential consequences you may face. We will talk about the circumstances of your arrest, the facts in your favor and those that may affect you negatively. Together, we will work with you to develop a DUI defense strategy designed to get you the best possible results based on the facts of your case. Click here to contact DJ with DUI questions and concerns.

• Felonies
A felony is any crime that carries a sentence of at least one year in prison. In Tennessee, felonies are designated into 5 classes; class A, B, C, D and E.
Class A Felonies are the most severe. They include crimes that are punishable by death or life imprisonment, or a minimum of 15 years in jail and a fine of up to $50,000. Aggravated rape and murder in the first degree are both Class A felonies.
Class B Felonies are punishable with an 8 to 30 year jail term and fines of up to $25,000. Possession of cocaine and theft of $60,000 or more are Class B felonies.
Class C Felonies include white collar crimes and fraud. A prison term of 3 to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000 are the punishments for Class C felonies.
Class D Felonies can receive a punishment of 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Charges of aggravated assault and possession of 10 to 70 pounds of marijuana are considered Class D felonies in Tennessee.
Class E Felonies are punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. These crimes include stealing more than $500, but less than $1,000.
If you have been charged with a felony in west Tennessee, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel. From the initial consultation to trial, Norton Law Office will provide you with the utmost quality and compassion. Click here to contact DJ with felony questions and concerns.

• Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor refers to a less severe crime. The federal government classifies any crime that is punishable with incarceration of a year or less to be a misdemeanor. In the state of Tennessee, misdemeanors are punishable by a jail term of one year or less. These crimes are designated by a class system; class A, B or C – class A being the most severe and class C being the least.
Class A Misdemeanors are the most serious and are punishable with a jail term of up to 11 months and 29 days, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include domestic violence, assault and possession of less than a half ounce of marijuana.
Class B Misdemeanors are punishable with a jail term of up to 6 months, fines of up to $500, or both. Examples include prostitution and reckless driving.
Class C Misdemeanors are the least offensive and are punishable with a jail term of up to 30 days, fines of less than $50, or both. Motor vehicle offenses, such as speeding, are examples of Class C misdemeanors.
While misdemeanors are less serious than a felony, they are not minor. A conviction could have a serious impact on your future. Click here to contact DJ with misdemeanor questions and concerns.

• Traffic violations
Have you received a traffic violation, citation or ticket? Norton Law Office has extensive experience handling traffic tickets. In many cases, we can help get your ticket dismissed and reduce the overall impact to your driving record. Contact us before you pay your ticket. Click here to contact DJ about traffic violations.